Greenford High School, located in Southall, Middlesex, was inspected on 8 and 9 February 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with similar ratings across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school had previously been rated outstanding in its last inspection ten years ago, reflecting a significant change in its evaluation under the current inspection framework.
The school emphasizes the belief that every pupil can succeed, and this philosophy is evident in the efforts of leaders and staff to support all students. Nearly all sixth-form students progress to university, showcasing the effectiveness of the school's educational approach. The culture within the school is built on mutual respect and high expectations, leading to positive relationships between teachers and pupils. Students generally exhibit good behaviour in lessons and around the school, with leaders addressing bullying seriously and promptly, although some parents and pupils feel that communication regarding bullying could be improved.
Pupils are engaged and achieve well across the curriculum, benefiting from teachers with strong subject knowledge. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies that promote wider development. The personal, social, health, citizenship, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, encouraging discussions on important topics such as mental health and diversity.
The headteacher, supported by governors, has developed an ambitious curriculum aimed at ensuring that all pupils study a wide range of subjects. However, there are plans to enhance the curriculum for pupils in Years 10 and 11 to ensure it is sufficiently broad. Teachers are skilled in making complex ideas accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school prioritizes reading, providing tailored support for pupils at early stages of reading development.
Behaviour in lessons is typically calm and focused, with clear expectations set by leaders. The pastoral team has been expanded to address the increased need for support since the pandemic, ensuring that safeguarding arrangements are effective. The PSHCE curriculum has been refined based on pupil feedback, demonstrating responsiveness to student needs.
Despite the strengths, the school faces challenges in communication regarding bullying and in analyzing participation in extracurricular activities. Leaders are encouraged to improve communication with parents and pupils about actions taken to address bullying and to ensure that all pupils, particularly the disadvantaged, benefit from extracurricular opportunities.
Governors are well-informed about the school and have supported leaders throughout the pandemic. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the professional development opportunities provided. The school has a specially resourced provision for pupils with speech, language, and communication needs, catering for a diverse student body.
The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to continuous improvement, with leaders actively seeking to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. The school meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, providing information about technical education and apprenticeships. Overall, Greenford High School demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering an environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally, while also addressing areas for growth to further enhance its effectiveness.
